For guitarists seeking freedom from cables without sacrificing sound quality or emptying their wallets, the Lekato WS-50 Wireless Guitar System emerges as a compelling option. As a content creator for guitarplayers.net, I recently had the opportunity to put this budget-friendly wireless system to the test, and I’m ready to share my experience. If you’re tired of tripping over cables and want to explore the stage or studio untethered, the WS-50 might just be your answer.
The Lekato WS-50 arrives neatly packaged with a transmitter, a receiver, a USB charging cable, and a user manual. Pairing is straightforward, as outlined in the manual, getting you up and running quickly. Aesthetically, you can choose between a black finish or a faux wood grain. Personally, the wood grain option I received has a certain quirky charm, though opinions on its visual appeal may vary.
Diving into the Specs: What Makes the WS-50 Tick?
Let’s delve into the technical specifications that position the Lekato Wireless Guitar System in the market. The WS-50 operates on the 5.8 GHz frequency band. While Lekato also offers 2.4 GHz systems, the 5.8 GHz band often provides a cleaner signal, particularly in environments with considerable wireless interference – think urban settings or crowded venues. This is a crucial advantage for maintaining signal integrity during performances.
The audio fidelity of the WS-50 is surprisingly robust for a unit in its price range. It boasts 24-bit/48kHz audio resolution, a standard often associated with professional broadcast quality. This ensures that your guitar’s tone is transmitted with clarity and nuance.
Further technical details reveal a frequency response spanning from 10Hz to 22kHz (±1dB), capturing the full sonic spectrum of your instrument. Total harmonic distortion is impressively low at 0.02%, indicating minimal unwanted noise or signal degradation.
Latency, the bane of wireless systems, is quoted at approximately 5ms. This near-imperceptible delay is well within the acceptable range for guitarists. Most players only begin to perceive latency issues beyond the 10ms threshold, making the WS-50 a responsive and playable system.
Power is provided by internal rechargeable batteries, offering around 5 hours of playtime on a full charge. This battery life is ample for most gigs and practice sessions. The manual advises recharging the units every couple of months, even when not in use, to maintain battery health. Interestingly, a single transmitter can broadcast to up to four receivers simultaneously. This opens up possibilities for routing your signal to an amplifier and a recording interface concurrently, offering added flexibility for recording or complex stage setups.
The operational range is specified at 100 meters (approximately 328 feet). While this range is considerable, physical obstructions like walls can impact signal strength, potentially introducing artifacts if multiple barriers stand between the transmitter and receiver.
Sound Check: WS-50 vs. Traditional Cable
The critical question for any guitarist considering a wireless system is: how does it sound? In a direct comparison with a high-quality guitar cable, I conducted listening tests in a room environment. To my ears, the difference in sound between the Lekato WS-50 wireless guitar system and a cable was subtle. Neither sounded inherently “better” or “worse,” both delivered a solid and representative guitar tone. To push the comparison further, I recorded with both setups. The results were even more telling – in a blind listening test of the recordings, distinguishing between the cable and the WS-50 proved virtually impossible. Unless you were specifically informed which was which, the sonic differences were negligible.
Price Point and Positioning
As of July 5, 2023, the Lekato WS-50 is priced at $58.99 on Amazon. This price point positions it as one of the most affordable 5.8 GHz wireless guitar systems currently available. Lekato also offers other wireless systems like the WS-60, WS-70, and WS-80, often at even lower prices. However, the WS-50 stands out due to its superior frequency response and lower latency specifications compared to its more budget-oriented siblings. This makes the WS-50 a sweet spot in their lineup, balancing affordability with performance.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable: Significantly less expensive than many other wireless systems.
- Excellent Sound Quality: 24-bit/48kHz audio, minimal distortion, and transparent signal transmission.
- Low Latency: 5ms latency is imperceptible for most guitarists.
- 5.8 GHz Operation: Less prone to interference compared to 2.4 GHz systems in congested environments.
- Decent Battery Life: Approximately 5 hours of playtime.
- Multi-Receiver Capability: One transmitter can connect to up to four receivers.
- Simple to Use: Easy pairing and setup.
Cons:
- No Included Case: A case is available for separate purchase, but not included.
- Non-Replaceable Battery: Battery lifespan is finite, eventually requiring system replacement (longevity is unknown).
The Verdict: Who is the Lekato WS-50 For?
The Lekato WS-50 Wireless Guitar System isn’t aimed at professional touring musicians demanding top-of-the-line, road-rugged gear like high-end systems with replaceable batteries. Instead, it’s perfectly positioned for budget-conscious guitarists who want to embrace wireless freedom without compromising on sound quality. It’s an ideal solution for:
- Home Practice: Eliminate cable clutter and move freely while practicing.
- Jam Sessions: Roam around the jam space without being tethered to your amp.
- Small to Medium-Sized Gigs: Perform wirelessly on stage without breaking the bank.
- Budget Recording Setups: Add wireless convenience to your home studio.
Compared to even more budget-oriented brands, the Lekato WS-50 offers a compelling combination of features and performance. For instance, it arguably outperforms budget options like Behringer in both sound quality and features, often at a similar or even more competitive price point. If you’re seeking an entry into the world of wireless guitar systems and prioritize value for money, the Lekato WS-50 is definitely worth considering. While the non-replaceable battery is a factor to keep in mind for long-term use, the system’s affordability makes it an accessible and worthwhile investment for many guitarists.
If you’re interested in purchasing the Lekato Wireless Guitar System and experiencing wireless freedom for yourself, you can find it through this Amazon affiliate link:
